China takes action to crack down on maritime drug trafficking

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01:56

Drug trafficking at sea remains a problem in many of China's ports and harbors. Authorities have recently released details of four major cases and announced further action aiming at cracking down on the problem.

Details on four major cases were released on Wednesday. Some have witnessed joint action by Chinese mainland police and authorities of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

In January, members of a syndicate were found loading drugs for trafficking in waters off the coast of Myanmar. China Coast Guard vessels successfully intercepted the target vessel in the South China Sea.

In a separate case in May, maritime police ordered the interception of an oil tanker suspected of drug trafficking in southern Chinese waters. Eight suspects were arrested, some from Taiwan.

"From these cases, we can see that drug crimes are still rampant. China's law enforcement task forces have the ability and confidence to cope with this challenge," said Liang Yun, vice director of China National Narcotics Control Commission.

Law enforcement on the water is risky. Some cases involve cross-border trafficking, making the situation more complex.

"Another important task in maritime investigation is to work with relevant countries. In this regard, corresponding channels of communication with neighboring countries have also been established,” Liang said.

Governments have taken steps to upgrade communication and connectivity mechanisms regarding maritime drug enforcement.

China released its latest drug situation report on Monday, saying maritime drug trafficking is alive and rampant. Though a total of 35 major cases were cracked down in 2017, challenges still lie ahead.